Assembly Health Committee to Vote on Bad Single Payer Proposal

Assembly Health Committee to Vote on Bad Single Payer Proposal

Members of the Assembly Health Committee plan to vote today on the New York Health Act, an expensive single payer proposal that would give Albany politicians control over the state’s entire health care system.

In short, the New York Health Act (NYHA) will eliminate private health insurance and create a government run plan. It is an unnecessary proposal that will do more harm than good.

The state’s insured rate has remained stable at 95% throughout the pandemic due to the access, affordability and choices offered by the current health plan marketplace which relies on a partnership of government programs and the private sector’s support.

Additionally, the recently passed state budget built upon the existing system by eliminating Essential Plan premiums and out-of-pocket expenses and expanding coverage for postpartum women, which will further reduce the number of uninsured and enhance affordability in the individual market

New York should continue to build on the current system with measures like these instead of passing the NYHA, which would add $250 billion in new taxes; the largest tax increase by any state in the history of the country. It would eliminate private health insurance coverage, cutting upwards of 150,000 jobs and forcing everyone onto one state-run health plan. Moreover, it would limit access and quality of care by underfunding hospitals and providers. Based on the experience of the pandemic, do we really want the state Health Department running our entire health care system?

The current health care model is working and can be improved even more without starting over. We look forward to engaging in thoughtful and educated discussions about how best to ensure access to high-quality and affordable health care for every single New Yorker.